MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo is appealing to the Lower House committee on appropriations to restore the budget cut her office suffered for next year.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) had a proposed P549-M budget for 2019, only P6-M more than this year’s P543.95-M.

However, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only recommended P447.68-M for OVP for 2019, almost P100-M less than the current year. DBM cited the ‘cash-based budgeting system’ it wants implemented for 2019 which “limits contractual obligations and disbursing payments to goods delivered and services rendered within the fiscal year”.

Image from VP Leni Robredo Facebook page

But the Vice President said budget slash will affect her “Angat Buhay” project which helps poor families in the countryside. This would also mean they may have to go back to the situation wherein their project will become entirely dependent on donations from the private sector.

“That would mean that we would not be able to continue with our livelihood assistance to our adopted LGUs,” said Robredo.

“So we would like to make this appeal. Sana po kahit ibalik lang ‘yung dati [At least return it to the current level],” she added.

Image from VP Leni Robredo Facebook page

Responding to Robredo’s appeal, House panel chairperson Karlo Nograles assured the Vice President they will try to find means to resolve the issue.

“Most of the departments also experience the same budget cut, which is why we’re trying to resolve these things within our means as well,’ explained Nograles.

When asked whether the budget cut is related to her being at odds with the President as the opposition leader, Robredo said it is difficult to speculate since it is not only OVP which suffered the same problem.

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